Metal Roof Costs And Pricing Calculator 2026
Metal roof costs are some of the most expensive in the industry, ranging from $8 to $30 per square foot fully installed. There are a number of reasons for the higher than normal cost, but the main reason is the material cost. Metals are simply more expensive than other roofing materials, with some exceptions like natural slate. However, metal roofs have some great advantages as well, including their overall strength, durability, and longevity. Add to this the fact they are some of the most visually stunning roofs on the market today and their popularity should be clear.
Below we're going to delve into metal roof costs by material and try to provide some brief pros and cons, as well as a range of price points that you can expect. Happy reading and if you have any questions on this subject, drop us an email.
Review By Bill G. - Site Editor - Page Last Updated On - July 7, 2026
Metal Roof Costs & Prices
Here are the five most common metal roofing materials and what you can expect to pay in 2026.
Aluminum Roofing Costs
Aluminum prices range from $7 to $15 per square foot fully installed. Aluminum roof materials are either a standing seam panel or an interlocking shingle with the panels being the more expensive option.
- -- Price Range: $7 to $15 per square foot installed --
» Additional Aluminum Roof Prices
Copper Roof Costs
Copper roofing prices range from $16 to $24 per square foot fully installed. Copper is one of the most expensive roofing materials, as well as being one of the strongest and visually striking materials available.
- -- Price Range: $16 to $24 per square foot installed --
» More On Copper Roofing Costs
Steel Roof Pricing
Steel costs range from $5 to $14 psf fully installed. Stainless steel is one of the least expensive metal roofing material, but one of the strongest materials that comes in either a shingle or panel form.
- -- Price Range: $5 to $14 per square foot installed --
» More On Steel Roofing Prices
Tin Roofing Cost
Tin roofs range from $11 to $20 per square foot fully installed. Tin alloy roofs are certainly not the most popular roofing options out there, but they do make for very unique and beautiful looking roofs.
- -- Estimated Price Range: $11 to $20 psf installed --
» More On Tin Roof Prices
Zinc Shingles & Panels
Zinc costs range from $8 to $18 fully installed, depending on whether you go with shingles or panels. Zinc isn't that common in the United States, however it is found much more often in Europe. The advantages to zinc are that the color and style of the roof can be changed to meet the homeowner's specific requirements and enhance the overall look of the home.
- -- Estimated Price Range: $8 to $18 psf installed --
Metal Roof vs Composite Shingles Cost
| Roofing Option | Total Quote Installed | Average Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Composite Shingles Roof Cost | $19,000 | N/A |
| Metal Roof Cost | $38,000 | N/A |
"We're building a home outside the Seattle and trying to decide whether a metal roof is worth the added cost. We love the look, lower maintenance, increase in timeline, but struggling with price difference. Here are some facts. House is 3,500 square feet with an added 1,600 for space where garage links up to our patio. So quite a big project I think. Here are our bids.
Composite Shingles Roof Cost: $19,000
Metal Roof Cost: $38,000"
Renee, Homeowner - from 2026
Editor's Advice:
Renee, this is a tough question to answer. The pros are the timeline where a metal roof can last 55 years on average, whereas a composite shingle roof typically last 25 years. So your upfront cost is steeper, but your return on investment comes in at the end. And yes you are correct that metal requires less maintenance, and you won't get composite granules sloughing off into your gutters. Finally, metal tends to perform especially well in snowy and wet climates like Seattle where it rains a lot.
So I think it comes down to your timeline in the home. If you think you're going to be there for 30 plus years, then metal is a great call. If not, go with the composite shingles and you'll see that return on investment much sooner. Make sure you get a few bids on a project of this size as these bids will vary tremendously.
Dane — Website Editor - from 2026
⭐ PRO TIP - to save money - always collect 2 to 3 estimates and compare roofing project quotes! ⭐
Related Topics: Roof Replacement Cost Calculator
* Spanish Tile Roof